About Overseas StudentHealth Cover

New look, same OSHC

Did you know that Allianz Global Assistance has been providing health cover to international students studying in Australia for over ten years?

Through our product OSHC Worldcare we have helped millions of international students maintain a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle while getting the most out of their study experience.

You may have noticed some changes around the place. We have changed the name of our product OSHC Worldcare to become simply,
"Overseas Student Health Cover" provided by Allianz Global Assistance. It is the same cover, just a change in the name.
You will also notice that our website has a fresh new look. The content is still the same but our website now looks completely different.

What does this mean for you?

Allianz Global Assistance is still your provider of OSHC. You can continue to count on us to provide the most trusted and reliable healthcare cover while you study in Australia.

You will still have access to the same 24-hour emergency helpline, on-campus support, our direct billing and claims processes.

You will see updated Overseas Student Health Cover materials and signage on campus. Your current membership card will continue to be accepted by over 290 direct billers Australia-wide. New membership cards will be distributed as old cards expire.

If you have any questions about our product name change, please speak with our Client Service Representatives on campus or one of our friendly Member Service Officers on 13 OSHC (13 67 42).

Why do overseas students need OSHC?

Student Visa Requirement
The Australian Government through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires all holders of a Student Visa to maintain OSHC during their stay in Australia.

It is a visa requirement that from 1 July 2010, students must obtain OSHC for the proposed duration of their student visa. If an overseas student extends the length of their student visa, they must renew their OSHC policy.

Condition 8501
Maintaining OSHC is a mandatory condition of a Student Visa. Overseas students who do not maintain their OSHC are at risk of having their visas cancelled.

Peace of mind
Medical treatment can be expensive. Overseas students are not eligible for Medicare (the public health insurance system for Australian Residents). Without access to Medicare, overseas students may have difficulty paying for medical treatment. In most cases, hospital treatment will cost more than $1500 per day.

Who is eligible for OSHC?

Overseas students are eligible for OSHC. You are an overseas student if you are:

a person who is the holder of a Student Visa; or

a person who:

is an applicant for a student visa; and

is the holder of a bridging visa; and

was, immediately before being granted the bridging visa, the holder of a student visa.

A spouse, de facto, child or step-child of an overseas student who is unmarried and has not turned 18 may be covered on a policy as long as the policy is for an appropriate family plan (including dual family and multi family policies with effect from 1 January 2012). If such a person ceases to be a Dependant for the purposes of OSHC, he or she will need to seek other health insurance options.

How long do I need OSHC cover for?

It is a visa requirement that from 1 July 2010, students must obtain OSHC for the proposed duration of their student visa. If an overseas student extends the length of their student visa, they must renew their OSHC policy.

What does OSHC cover?

Allianz Global Assistance OSHC provides a contribution towards the cost of medical treatment for overseas students in Australia, similar to that provided to Australians through Medicare.
Additionally, Allianz Global Assistance OSHC also includes access to some private hospitals and day surgeries,
emergency ambulance cover and benefits for prescription medicines.

Service

Benefit per service

Out of hospital medical services

Medical services provided by most General Practitioner Services

Benefit amount as listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) 100% of the MBS fee*

All other Medical services such as pathology and radiology (including specialists)

Benefit amount as listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) 85% of the MBS fee

In hospital medical services

Medical services provided in hospital

100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule fee

Public hospital – admitted patient in shared ward hospital accommodation, same day services, accident and emergency and out-patient medical and post-operative services

The rate determined by State and Territory health authorities for services charged to a patient who is not an Australian Resident^

Private hospital/Registered day hospital facility

100% of the charges for all insurable costs raised by a contracted hospital with a minimum of shared ward accommodation^

Prescription medicines

For prescription medicines prescribed by your doctor Excludes: Medications, drugs or other treatments not prescribed by a doctor or not listed on the PBS

Prescription medicines benefit for expenses exceeding the equivalent of the current Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) patient contribution for general beneficiaries up to a:

maximum benefit of $50.00 per prescribed item

maximum amount per calendar year for Single cover of $300 per person

maximum amount per calendar year for Family cover of $600

Each individual in a family has a limit equivalent for a single person as long as the family maximum benefit has not been used. From 1 January 2012, family cover includes both dual family and multi family cover

Surgically implanted prostheses

Surgically implanted prostheses and other items included on the Federal Government's Prostheses List

100% of the cost as listed on the Australian Prostheses list

Ambulance services

When medically necessary for admission to hospital or for emergency treatment

100% of the charge for transport by an ambulance provided by or under an arrangement with an approved ambulance service when medically necessary for admission to hospital or for emergency treatment.

* Benefits payable as per the Medicare Benefits Schedule Fee

Please refer to the Policy Document and Members Guide that applies to the OSHC cover type that you have purchased. These documents set out in more detail what is covered and what is not covered under your OSHC policy.

What is not covered?

Services which are not covered under your policy:

Services provided by physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, naturopaths or any other ancillary services.

Medications, drugs or other treatments not prescribed by a doctor or not included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule.

Any costs associated with dental treatment, unless the services provided meet the requirements of the Medicare Benefits Schedule.

Optical charges.

The co-payment and/or gap payment payable by you under Australian law or as a result of the provider charging in excess of the Medicare Benefits Schedule Fee.

Service fees charged by a doctor or hospital which are not included in the benefits covered under your policy.

General Exclusions

Benefits are not payable for:

services and treatment rendered as part of an assisted reproductive program, including but not limited to in-vitro fertilisation;

treatment rendered outside of Australia, whether or not in connection with a course of study and including treatment necessary en route to or from Australia;

treatment arranged in advance of an Overseas Student's or a Dependant of the Overseas Student's arrival in Australia;

treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first twelve months after arrival in Australia where that treatment
is for a pre-existing condition (other than a pre-existing condition of a psychiatric nature).
This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies,
and we agree, that an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student required Emergency Treatment
in Australia. We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;

where an application was made for a Student Visa by an onshore applicant, who previously did not hold a Student Visa,
treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first twelve months
after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pre-existing condition
(other than a pre-existing condition of a psychiatric nature).
This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree,
that an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student required Emergency Treatment in Australia.
We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;

treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first two months
after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pre-existing condition of a psychiatric nature.
This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree,
that the Dependant or Overseas Student required Emergency Treatment in Australia.
We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;

where an application was made for a Student Visa by an onshore applicant, who previously did not hold a Student Visa,
treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first two months
after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pre-existing condition of a psychiatric nature.
This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree,
that the Dependant or Overseas Student required Emergency Treatment in Australia.
We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;

treatment of secondary conditions or disabilities directly arising from the conditions or disabilities
to which subclause (d) and (e) applies will be treated in accordance with the provisions of
subclause (d) and (e) respectively;

treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first twelve months
after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pregnancy related condition.
This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree,
that the Overseas Student or the Dependant of the Overseas Student required emergency treatment in Australia.
We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;

where an application was made for a Student Visa by an onshore applicant, who previously did not hold a Student Visa,
treatment rendered to an Overseas Student or a Dependant of the Overseas Student in the first twelve months
after arrival in Australia where that treatment is for a pregnancy related condition.
This exclusion does not apply where a medical practitioner certifies, and we agree,
that the Overseas Student or the Dependant of the Overseas Student required emergency treatment in Australia.
We will not unreasonably withhold our agreement;

transportation of an Overseas Student or a Dependant of an Overseas Student into or out of Australia in any circumstance;

services and treatment which are covered by compensation or damages, entitlements or payments of any kind; and

elective cosmetic surgery.

* The above services not covered under your policy and general exclusions are applicable to the Allianz Global Assistance OSHC Standard Cover. Allianz Global Assistance OSHC cover available through your Institution may include different benefits and premiums. Please contact your Institution if you require more information

Is there a waiting period?

There is a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

You cannot claim for costs arising during the waiting period if such costs arise from a pre-existing condition. The waiting period is calculated as 12 months (or, in the case of pre-existing conditions of a psychiatric nature, two months) commencing from:

the date you or your Dependant (as the case may be) arrived in Australia; or

the date your Student Visa was granted, whichever is the later date

A pre-existing condition is an ailment, illness or condition the signs or symptoms of which (in the opinion of a medical practitioner approved or appointed by us) existed in the period of six months ending on the later of:

the date you or your Dependant (as the case may be) arrived in Australia; or

the date your student visa was granted.

In forming this opinion, the medical practitioner must have regard to any information in relation to the ailment, illness or condition provided to that medical practitioner by the medical practitioner who treated the ailment, illness or condition. This includes an ailment, illness or condition that was present, but had not been diagnosed by a medical practitioner at the time of your arrival in Australia or the date your student visa was granted, whichever is the later date.

A pre-existing condition includes a secondary related condition or disability directly arising from a pre-existing condition.

* The above services not covered under your policy and general exclusions are applicable to the Allianz Global Assistance OSHC Standard Cover. Allianz Global Assistance OSHC cover available through your Institution may include different benefits and premiums. Please contact your Institution if you require more information.

When does my cover start and end?

For most commencing students your cover is arranged through your education institution prior to your arrival and you are covered as soon as you arrive in Australia.

For continuing students (those that have been in Australia for a while) you are covered until the expiry date shown on your membership card. Please check that you have your membership card and know your expiry date so that you maintain your cover.

The Australian Health Care System

Australia has a national health care system that provides access to health care for Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of permanent resident visas. The major part of the national health care system is called "Medicare". Medicare provides high quality health care which is both affordable and accessible to all Australians, often provided free of charge at the point of service.

Medicare covers areas of medical, hospital and pharmaceutical costs, but does not cover private hospital costs, dental, optical and similar services. Medicare does not provide cover for emergency ambulance assistance or for transport to hospital.

It is very important that you have a good understanding of the Australian health care system. If you understand the health care system in Australia, you will be able to access the best and most effective treatment for you.

What is a Direct Billing Medical Provider?

Allianz Global Assistance OSHC has made special arrangements for our members with many medical providers to direct bill us for the covered amount of your bill.
This means that you simply show your valid OSHC membership card -
so make sure you carry your valid card with you at all times.

Some medical providers may charge a 'gap' fee at the time of service,
but the rest of the bill will be taken care of directly by Allianz Global Assistance OSHC. This means you do not need to make a claim.

You can find your closest Direct Billing Medical Provider here online, by logging into the Students section of this site.

In order to minimise your medical expenses, it is recommended that you attend a medical centre or GP that direct bills Allianz Global Assistance OSHC. You can find your closest direct billing medical provider by logging into the Students section of the OSHC website.

You simply have to show your valid Allianz Global Assistance OSHC membership card, a valid photo ID and the bill for the covered portion of your service will be sent directly to us. If you wish to see another doctor, a list of doctors' names, locations and phone numbers can be found by searching online. You may be required to pay the bill, and submit a claim to us in order to get your benefit.

Accident and Emergency Treatment

Every public hospital has a 24-hour Emergency and Casualty department where you may seek help after hours and during weekends. If you attend an outpatient, emergency or casualty department you may need to wait a long time to see a doctor at a public hospital unless of course it is an emergency.

Patients with the most urgent and serious problems are seen and treated first. You should only use these services in an emergency situation.

People waiting in emergency are assessed and treated according to the seriousness of their medical condition. The patients with the most urgent problems are seen and treated first. If you attend the emergency department with a less serious medical condition you may be required to wait to see a doctor.

Hospital Treatment

If you have been referred to hospital to undergo treatment, you must contact Allianz Global Assistance OSHC immediately on 1800 651 349. You will need to provide us with the details of your treatment and hospital stay. We will then be able to confirm your cover and assist you with making arrangements for payment to the hospital.

Public Hospital

Generally, Allianz Global Assistance OSHC covers the cost of your stay and treatment as an inpatient in a shared ward of a public hospital. As a public patient, your doctors will be nominated by the hospital. After you are discharged from hospital, your care will be carried out in either the out-patient clinic, one of the hospital specialist's private rooms or you will be referred to your local general practitioner.

Private Hospital

You may choose to be treated in a private hospital. Allianz Global Assistance OSHC will contribute benefits towards treatment and shared ward accommodation. If you are a private patient, OSHC will cover 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for services provided by doctors (including surgeon’s and anaesthetists), pathologists or radiologists while in hospital. In a private hospital, you may have a large medical gap fee that is not covered by your OSHC policy.

Specialists and Private Health Services

After your initial consultation with your doctor, if you require more specialist care or treatment, your doctor will refer you to a specialist doctor.

How do I submit a claim?

If you do incur medical costs in Australia, there are two ways to submit a claim:

Online

Follow the step by step instructions to submit a claim

Record the claim reference number at the submission of the online claim, and write it on the back of all your original invoices and/or receipts

On-Campus claims

On-campus claims are available at most major Education Institutions. See your local Client Service Representative to process most claims under $105 and provide you with vouchers redeemable for cash at Australia Post outlets.

It is important to keep a copy of all your invoices and receipts and your claim reference number.

To make a successful claim you must submit:

All original receipts and/or invoices and

Any other relevant documents

Pre-paid, pre-addressed envelopes are available to make it easy to send all documents to Allianz Global Assistance OSHC. Envelopes are available at most Education Institutions or can be requested by contacting us on 13 OSHC (13 6742).

Where can I get assistance?

Client service representatives
Allianz Global Assistance OSHC has Client Service Representatives which are present at some Student Self Service Areas and institutions at various times during the week. They can assist you with any enquiries you may have and can provide you with a cash claim of up to $105. Check with your International Office or go to our website to find the times and locations for your closest Client Service Representative.

Self service areas

Some institutions have an OSHC Self Service Area, where members have access:

On-campus
Some institutions are able to collect your OSHC premium on our behalf. Allianz Global Assistance OSHC also provides on-campus EFTPOS machines at some institutions. Once you renew your OSHC, your new membership card will be sent to you automatically.

By Post
Sending a money order or cheque by post, accompanied by a renewal form.

If you need to apply for an extension or new Student Visa, you will need to prove to the Department of Immigration that you have OSHC.

What if I forget to renew my OSHC?

You are responsible for making sure your OSHC is always valid.

If you allow your policy to lapse whilst on a student visa, and you wish to renew your OSHC during the duration of your student visa, you must pay the premiums for the lapsed period and no benefits are payable for claims paid during the lapsed period of your OSHC.

I am leaving Australia and my OSHC has not expired, can I get a refund?

You can apply in writing for a pro-rata refund of premium for the unexpired portion of your policy if:

You paid your premium and did not come to Australia

You paid your premium on the basis of an extended stay but the extension of authorised stay was not granted by DIAC

You are obliged to cease studies and leave Australia before the end of a period of approved stay for reasons beyond your control

You have been granted permanent residence in Australia

You were not resident in Australia for a continuous period of 3 months or more but whilst holding a valid Student Visa

You can provide proof of OSHC provided by another organisation which includes the period covered by the organisation

Please note:

Refunds are calculated on a monthly pro-rata basis, with a minimum refund of one month

A minimum cover period of 3 months is payable if cover is cancelled whilst in Australia

Any amount that we retain on these grounds is treated as a fee for processing your refund.

There is no minimum cover period payable if cover is cancelled prior to arrival in Australia

OSHC is part of the Allianz Global Assistance group. Allianz Global Assistance is present in a number of countries across the Asia Pacific region.
You can view the services in each country across the region below: